Le Grand Raid Réunion 2014 - Diagonale des Fous
The Grand Raid Réunion/Diagonale des Fous – The Ultra Trail World Finale
News Release / 14.10.2014
The 10th and final leg of the UTWT, the 22nd Grand Raid Réunion and its legendary race, the Diagonale des Fous, (164 km and 9917 m of ascent) is without doubt a much awaited event. On Reunion Island, classed World Heritage Site by UNESCO, you are sure to discover a unique landscape and this will be the final leg of the first Ultra-Trail World Tour. After 10 legs, the first Male and Female titles will be awarded at the conclusion of this event.
A Final Decisive Leg
Anything can happen at the foot of the Reunion volcanoes! Racers to watch are Lithuania’s Grinius Gediminas (LTU), at present 2nd in the overall rankings and Antoine Guillon (FRA), currently 3rd after finishing 3rd in the Tor des Géants at the beginning of Sepember. François d’Haene, winner of the UTMB is also hoping to win his third race. After two back-to-back victories (Ultra-Trail Mont Fuji- Japan and the UTMB), a win in Reunion would be a fine hat-trick for an exceptional season!
Ryan Sandes (RSA) who has run 3 races (1st in the TNF Transgrancanaria, 2nd in the Ultra-Trail® Mt Fuji- Japan, 5th Western States Endurance Trail) is still at top of the rankings, but has not declared his entry for the Diagonale des Fous.
Among the Ladies, the group up front is led by Nuria Picas (SP), Fernanda Maciel (BRA) and Francesca Canepa (ITA), who have not yet registered for the Diagonale des Fous. The American Rory Bosio, who won The North Face Lavaredo Ultra Trail and the UTMB, is also absent. France’s Nathalie Mauclair, winner of the Diagonale in 2013 and on the 3rd step of the podium in 2014 at the Western States Endurance Trail and on the UTMB is expected but will be unable to disturb the leading group in the overall rankings. Nerea Martinez (5th) and Uxeu Fraile (10th) who have confirmed their presence can certainly climb up the rankings but it will be difficult for them to dethrone Nuria Picas!
Runners Invited To The Diagonale Des Fous
As with all the other legs, some elite racers from all over the world have been invited. The Ultra-Trail World Tour with help from the organization is financing the air tickets for 3 athletes: Javier Dominguez (SP) Jason Schlarb (USA) and Tsuyoshi Kaburaki (JAP). Grinius Gediminas has just confirmed his participation: UTWT is financing part of his travelling expenses, and the organisation is looking after his enrolment and lodgings.
The UTWT Prizegiving
On November 19th in Paris, the Forum des Images will come alive to the rhythm of the world's finest images of trail running with no less than 10 films and more than 2 hours of footage, the most beautiful trails will be accessible to all!
The Awards Ceremony for the titles of Male and Female Champions of the Ultra-Trail World Tour 2014 will take place on this occasion in the presence of champions and athletes having taken part in the first Ultra-Trail World Tour.
Wednesday 19th November - Forum des Images in Paris, 2, rue du cinéma, 75001 Paris.
Open to the Public from 19h30 – Reserve your place free of charge on www.ultratrailworldtour.com
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